The dearMoon project, which was widely considered to be the first private circum-lunar flight, announced its cancellation on June 1 through an official statement.
The goal of the project, led by Japanese entrepreneur Yusaku Maezawa, was to embark on a groundbreaking mission to bring a group of artists and cultural influencers on a seven-day voyage around the moon.
The dearMoon team conveyed their remorse in the announcement.
“It is unfortunate to be announcing that ‘dearMoon’, the first private circum-lunar flight project, will be canceled. We thank everyone who has supported us and apologize to those who have looked forward to this project.”
T.O.P, a former member of the popular South Korean band BIGBANG, was among the notable figures involved in this ambitious project. He expressed his thoughts and emotions about the cancellation through his personal social media account.
“As you may have heard, the ‘dearMoon’ project has unfortunately been canceled.
However, I am deeply grateful to Mr. Yusaku Maezawa for conceptualizing the ‘dearMoon’ project. This was the greatest and most beautiful art project for the development of mankind that no one in the world would have dared to imagine, and the courage to even attempt this mission was truly extraordinary to witness.
My dream is by no means over.”
Upon reflection of his personal journey with dearMoon, T.O.P conveyed deep appreciation for the experiences and connections he forged.
“Being selected as a ‘dearMoon’ crew member was one of the greatest honors of my life. My heart is full of gratitude for the experiences I gained and the friendships I made through this process.
Over the last few years since joining ‘dearMoon’, I feel that my body and soul have forged a deep, direct connection with the moon. My body and soul connected with the moon and space has already inspired me to compose a lot of new music.
The moon has and will continue to nourish my soul and fill me up with meaning and inspiration forever.”
He reaffirmed that his desire to journey to the moon is still very much present.
“My dream to travel to the moon is not over. It has become the ultimate and greatest goal of my life, an official challenge, and a core mission for my life.
I feel deep responsibility for all the people who cheered for and supported me through this process to make them proud.”
In 2022, Yusaku Maezawa and SpaceX, the aerospace manufacturer and space transport company founded by Tesla CEO Elon Musk, announced their joint project, dearMoon.
The objective of the mission was to launch a SpaceX-developed spacecraft carrying eight crew members, including T.O.P, on a historic trip around the moon.
Despite facing significant challenges, the ambitious dearMoon project was determined to push forward. In late 2023, the team announced a delay due to ongoing spacecraft development, which had been the primary reason for postponing the launch since November of the previous year.
@yousuck2020 @dearmoonproject I am very sorry to hear that the DearMoon project is canceled.I was one of the many applicants who did not make it through the selection process. Regardless I decided to start and complete a project based on your mission objective. After more… pic.twitter.com/PDpkqwgCPk
— The Knifesmith (@Knivsmed1) June 1, 2024
The DearMoon project just got canceled.It was planned to be launched next year as one of the first crewed flights of SpaceX Starship, and was set to embark artists to the Moon, such as the space YouTuber Tim Dodd (Everyday Astronaut).I’m Very sorry for you.#SpaceX #Starship https://t.co/FGpF0tBmiX
– anis djerrab (@anis_djerrab) June 2, 2024
Imagine how my heart stopped for a second after I saw the dearMoon post 😭
— Evelyn Janeidy Arevalo (@JaneidyEve) June 1, 2024
Despite six months of persistent efforts, the project ultimately announced its cancellation.
Despite facing this challenge, the determination and enthusiasm for the dearMoon project remains strong among its participants and supporters.
The concept of private lunar travel has sparked inspiration and continues to drive the limits of human imagination and ambition.
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